James Franco to direct and star in The Sound And The Fury adaptation

Spring Breakers star to transform second William Faulkner novel for the big screen

PA

Photo: PA

James Franco is set to begin work on an adaptation of William Faulkner’s The Sound And The Fury, according to the LA Times.

The Hollywood actor, who has recently starred in Spring Breakers and Oz The Great And Powerful, is said to be looking to begin filming on the project in autumn. The movie will be his second Faulkner adaptation with Franco having recently premiered his version of As I Lay Dying at the Cannes Film Festival.

The Times reports the script for the film has already been written as a collaborative effort between Franco and his friend and Yale classmate Matt Rager. Franco will direct and star in the movie, playing an as-yet-undisclosed role. It is alleged he hopes to cast Mad Men's Jon Hamm in the role of Mr Compson, the head of a family of southern aristocrats fallen on hard times in early 20th century Mississippi.

Other names slated to appear in the release include Franco’s brother Dave Franco, who is likely to play suicidal Quentin Compson. Franco’s This Is The End co-star Danny McBride is also likely to feature.

The Sound And The Fury was previously adapted for the cinema in 1959 by American director Martin Ritt, who also shot titles such as The Spy Who Came In From The Cold and the Paul Newman-starring Hud. Before shooting begins on Franco’s adaptation, the actor will appear in Wim Wender’s new drama Everything Will Be Fine.